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Impact of Climate Change on Vegetation Distribution and Net Primary Productivity of Forests of Himalayan River Basins: Brahmaputra, Koshi and Indushttp://lib.icimod.org/record/33894
Chaitra, A.;
Upgupta, S.;
Bhatta, L. D.;
Mathangi, J.;
Anitha, D. S.;
Sindhu, K.;
Kumar, V.;
Agrawal, N. K.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Qamar, F.;
Murthy, I. K.;
Sharma, J.;
Chaturvedi, R. K.;
Bala, G.;
Ravindranath, N. H. ;
The impacts of climate change in terms of forest vegetation shifts and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) changes are assessed for Brahmaputra, Koshi and Indus river basins for the mid (2021-2050) and long (2071-2100) terms for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Two Dynamical Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs), Integrated BIosphere Simulator (IBIS) and (Lund Postdam and Jena (LPJ), have been used for this purpose. The DGVMs are driven by the ensemble mean climate projections from 5 climate models that contributed to the CMIP5 data base. While both DGVMs project vegetation shifts in the forest areas of the basins, there are large differences in vegetation shifts projected by IBIS and LPJ. This may be attributed to differing representation of land surface processes and to differences in the number of vegetation types (Plant Functional Types) defined and simulated in the two models. However, there is some agreement in NPP changes as projected by both IBIS and LPJ, with IBIS mostly projecting a larger increase in NPP for the future scenarios. Despite the uncertainties with respect to climate change projections at river basin level and the differing impact assessments from different DGVMs, it is necessary to assess the “vulnerability” of the forest ecosystems and forest dependent communities to current climate risks and future climate change and to develop and implement resilience or adaptation measures. Assessment of the “vulnerability” and designing of the adaptation strategies could be undertaken for all the forested grids where both IBIS and LPJ project vegetation shifts.Chaitra, A.Tue, 10 Jul 2018 05:22:07 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/338942018http://lib.icimod.org/record/33894/files/icimodAJCC_2018.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/33894
http://lib.icimod.org/record/33894/files/icimodAJCC_2018.png?subformat=icon-600Climate and Topographic Controls on Snow Cover Dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalayahttp://lib.icimod.org/record/33996
Gurung, D. R.;
Bajracharya, S. R.;
Maharjan, S. B.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Shrestha, A. B.;
Shrestha, M. S.;
Snow governs interaction between atmospheric and land surface processes in high mountains, and is also source of fresh water. It is thus important to both climate scientists and local communities. However, our understanding of snow cover dynamics in terms of space and time is limited across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, which is known to be a climatically sensitive region. We used MODIS snow cover area (SCA) data (2003–2012), APHRODITE temperature data (2000–2007), and monthly long term in-situ river discharge data of the Gandaki (1968–2010), Koshi (1977–2010) and Manas (1987–2004) basins to analyse variations among four basins. We gained insights into short term SCA and temperature, long term discharge trends, and regional variability thereby. Strong correlations were observed among SCA, temperature and discharge thereby highlighting the strong nexus between them. Temporal and spatial snow cover variability across the basins is strongly coupled with the variability of two weather systems: Western Disturbances (WD) and Indian Monsoon System (IMS), and strongly influenced by topography. Manifestation of these variability in terms if downstream discharge can have repercussion to water based sectors: hydropower and agriculture, as low flow seasons is seen affected. This study adds to our knowledge of snow fall and melt dynamics in the HKH region, and intra-annual snow melt contributions to downstream discharges. The study is limited by short span of data and it is desirable to perform a similar study using data representing a much longer time span.Gurung, D. R.Thu, 23 Aug 2018 10:49:47 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/339962017http://lib.icimod.org/record/33996
Synergizing Community-Based Forest Monitoring with Remote Sensing: A Path to an Effective REDD+ MRV System.http://lib.icimod.org/record/33668
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Gilani, H.;
Karky, B. S.;
Sharma, E.;
Sandker, M.;
Koju, U. A.;
Sandker, M.;
Koju, U. A.;
Khanal, S.;
Poudel, M.;
Background The reliable monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of carbon emissions and removals from the forest sector is an important part of the efforts on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Forest-dependent local communities are engaged to contribute to MRV through community-based monitoring systems. The efficiency of such monitoring systems could be improved through the rational integration of the studies at permanent plots with the geospatial technologies. This article presents a case study of integrating community-based measurements at permanent plots at the foothills of central Nepal and biomass maps that were developed using GeoEye-1 and IKONS satellite images. Results The use of very-high-resolution satellite-based tree cover parameters, including crown projected area (CPA), crown density and crown size classes improves salience,&nbsp;reliability and legitimacy of the community-based survey of 0.04% intensity at the lower cost than increasing intensity of the community-based survey to 0.14% level (2.5 USD/ha vs. 7.5 USD/ha). Conclusion The proposed REDD+&nbsp;MRV complementary system is the first of its kind and demonstrates the enhancement of information content, accuracy of reporting and reduction in cost. It also allows assessment of the efficacy of community-based forest management and extension to national scale. Murthy, M. S. R.Wed, 06 Dec 2017 08:20:35 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/336682017http://lib.icimod.org/record/33668/files/icimodREDD-Spr.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/33668
http://lib.icimod.org/record/33668/files/icimodREDD-Spr.png?subformat=icon-600Understanding Forest Fire Patterns and Risk in Nepal Using Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System and Historical Fire Datahttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32630
Matin, M. A.;
Chitale, V. S.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Uddin, K.;
Bajracharya, B.;
Pradhan, S. ;
Forest fire is one of the key drivers of forest degradation in Nepal. Most of the forest fires are human-induced and occur during the dry season, with ~89% occurring in March, April and May. The inaccessible mountainous terrain and narrow time window of occurrence complicate suppression efforts. In this paper, forest fire patterns are analysed based on historical fire incidence data to explore the spatial and temporal patterns of forest fires in Nepal. Three main factors are involved in the ignition and spread of forest fires, namely fuel availability, temperature and ignition potential. Using these factors a spatially distributed fire risk index was calculated for Nepal based on a linear model using weights and ratings. The input parameters for the risk assessment model were generated using remote sensing based land cover, temperature and active fire data, and topographic data. A relative risk ranking was also calculated for districts and village development committees (VDCs). In total, 18 out of 75 districts were found with high risk of forest fires. The district and VDC level fire risk ranking could be utilised by the Department of Forest for prioritisation, preparedness and resource allocation for fire control and mitigation.Matin, M. A.Tue, 30 May 2017 08:31:42 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/326302017http://lib.icimod.org/record/32630/files/icimodWF16056.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32630
http://lib.icimod.org/record/32630/files/icimodWF16056.png?subformat=icon-600Climate and Topographic Controls on Snow Cover Dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalayahttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32458
Gurung, D. R.;
Maharjan, S. B.;
Shrestha, A. B.;
Shrestha, M. S.;
Bajracharya, S. R.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Snow governs interaction between atmospheric and land surface processes in high mountains, and is also source of fresh water. It is thus important to both climate scientists and local communities. However, our understanding of snow cover dynamics in terms of space and time is limited across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, which is known to be a climatically sensitive region. We used MODIS snow cover area (SCA) data (2003–2012), APHRODITE temperature data (2000–2007), and monthly long term in-situ river discharge data of the Gandaki (1968–2010), Koshi (1977–2010) and Manas (1987–2004) basins to analyse variations among four basins. We gained insights into short term SCA and temperature, long term discharge trends, and regional variability thereby. Strong correlations were observed among SCA, temperature and discharge thereby highlighting the strong nexus between them. Temporal and spatial snow cover variability across the basins is strongly coupled with the variability of two weather systems: Western Disturbances (WD) and Indian Monsoon System (IMS), and strongly influenced by topography. Manifestation of these variability in terms if downstream discharge can have repercussion to water based sectors: hydropower and agriculture, as low flow seasons is seen affected. This study adds to our knowledge of snow fall and melt dynamics in the HKH region, and intra-annual snow melt contributions to downstream discharges. The study is limited by short span of data and it is desirable to perform a similar study using data representing a much longer time span.Maharjan, S. B.Tue, 17 Jan 2017 09:25:28 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/324582017http://lib.icimod.org/record/32458/files/Gurung_et_al-2017-International_Journal_of_Climatology.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32458
http://lib.icimod.org/record/32458/files/Gurung_et_al-2017-International_Journal_of_Climatology.png?subformat=icon-600A Manual on Participatory Three-Dimensional Modelling (P3DM)http://lib.icimod.org/record/32445
Joshi, G.;
Dangol, G. S.;
Bajracharya, B.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Wesselman, S.;
Three dimensional models (3D) are particularly suitable for working in local communities, because they allow people to easily understand the location of different elements in the landscape: how rivers, roads, slopes, villages and other features are placed. When working in the area of natural resource management, these models can help local communities make more informed planning decisions in terms of village, forestry, and agricultural development.Joshi, G.Wed, 11 Jan 2017 05:03:18 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32445urn:ISBN:978 92 9115 440 1 (printed), 978 92 9115 441 8 (electronic)International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)2016http://lib.icimod.org/record/32445/files/icimod3Dmanual16.jpg?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32445
http://lib.icimod.org/record/32445/files/icimod3Dmanual16.jpg?subformat=icon-600Characteristics of Landslide in Koshi River Basin, Central Himalayahttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32329
Zhang, J.-Q.;
Liu, R.-K.;
Deng, W.;
Khanal, N. R.;
Gurung, D. R.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Wahid, S.;
Koshi River basin, which lies in the Central Himalayas with an area of 71,500 km2, is an important trans-boundary river basin shared by China, Nepal and India. Yet, landslide-prone areas are all located in China and Nepal, imposing alarming risks of widespread damages to property and loss of human life in both countries. Against this backdrop, this research, by utilizing remote sensing images and topographic maps, has identified a total number of 6877 landslides for the past 23 years and further examined their distribution, characteristics and causes. Analysis shows that the two-step topography in the Himalayan region has a considerable effect on the distribution of landslides in this area. Dense distribution of landslides falls into two regions: the Lesser Himalaya (mostly small and medium size landslides in east-west direction) and the Transition Belt (mostly large and medium size landslides along the river in north-south direction). Landslides decrease against the elevation while the southern slopes of the Himalayas have more landslides than its northern side. Change analysis was carried out by comparing landslide distribution data of 1992, 2010 and 2015 in the Koshi River basin. The rainfall-induced landslides, usually small and shallow and occurring more frequently in regions with an elevation lower than 1000m, are common in the south and south-east slopes due to heavy precipitation in the region, and are more prone to the slope gradient of 20°~30°. Most of them are distributed in Proterozoic stratum (Pt3e, Pt3 and Pt2-3) and Quaternary stratum. While for earthquake-induced landslides, they are more prone to higher elevations (2000~3000 m) and steeper slopes (40°~50°).Liu, R.-K.Tue, 29 Nov 2016 06:27:16 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/323292016http://lib.icimod.org/record/32329
An Assessment of Productivity Patterns of Grass-Dominated Rangelands in the Hindu Kush Karakoram Region, Pakistanhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/32328
Qamer, F.;
Xi, C.;
Abbas, S.;
Murthy, M.;
Ning, W.;
Anming, B.;
Rangelands in the Hindu Kush Karakoram region provide a resource base for nomadic livestock grazing, which is one of the major traditional livelihood practices in the area. The present study assessed the spatiotemporal patterns and trends of rangelands using satellite remote-sensing time-series data. Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data, collected at fortnightly intervals over 12 years (2001–2012), were used as a proxy for the vegetation conditions of the grasslands. The analysis revealed that rangeland productivity increased with increasing elevation up to the sub-alpine zone, which had a higher productivity than the moist temperate zone and humid sub-tropical zone. The high sub-alpine productivity was attributed to seasonal amplitude and the extended length of the growing season in the phenological cycle. In the temporal analysis of productivity, the majority of the area exhibited improvements in vegetation conditions, which were strongest in the humid sub-tropical zones and weakest in the alpine zones. The sub-alpine grasslands were found to be the most productive and heterogeneous habitat; however, the relatively strong negative temporal trend in productivity in this zone indicates ongoing degradation in these rangelands. Thus, special attention is needed for the sustainable management of rangelands in the sub-alpine zones of the Hindu Kush Karakoram region.Xi, C.Tue, 29 Nov 2016 06:27:16 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/323282016http://lib.icimod.org/record/32328
Mapping Deforestation and Forest Degradation Patterns in Western Himalaya, Pakistanhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31969
Qamer, F.;
Shehzad, K.;
Abbas, S.;
Murthy, M.;
Xi, C.;
Gilani, H.;
Bajracharya, B.;
The Himalayan mountain forest ecosystem has been degrading since the British ruled the area in the 1850s. Local understanding of the patterns and processes of degradation is desperately required to devise management strategies to halt this degradation and provide long-term sustainability. This work comprises a satellite image based study in combination with national expert validation to generate sub-district level statistics for forest cover over the Western Himalaya, Pakistan, which accounts for approximately 67% of the total forest cover of the country. The time series of forest cover maps (1990, 2000, 2010) reveal extensive deforestation in the area. Indeed, approximately 170,684 ha of forest has been lost, which amounts to 0.38% per year clear cut or severely degraded during the last 20 years. A significant increase in the rate of deforestation is observed in the second half of the study period, where much of the loss occurs at the western borders along with Afghanistan. The current study is the first systematic and comprehensive effort to map changes to forest cover in Northern Pakistan. Deforestation hotspots identified at the sub-district level provide important insight into deforestation patterns, which may facilitate the development of appropriate forest conservation and management strategies in the country.Shehzad, K.Fri, 03 Jun 2016 08:36:31 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/319692016http://lib.icimod.org/record/31969/files/remotesensing-08-00385.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31969
http://lib.icimod.org/record/31969/files/remotesensing-08-00385.png?subformat=icon-600Reform Earth Observation Science and Applications to Transform Hindu Kush Himalayan Livelihoods—Services-Based Vision 2030http://lib.icimod.org/record/31944
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Gurung, D. R.;
Qamer, F. M.;
Bajracharya, S.;
Gilani, H.;
Uddin, K.;
Matin, M.;
Bajracharya, B.;
Anderson, E.;
Limaye, A.;
The Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) region with 210 million people living in the region poses significant scientific and technological challenges for livelihood improvement due to subsistence economy, livelihood insecurity, poverty, and climate change. The inaccessibility and complex mountain environmental settings carved special niche for Earth Observation (EO) science and significant contributions were made in the food security and disaster risk reduction sectors. The differentiated capacities of users to develop and use EO capabilities, challenges in outreaching the EO products to last mile users call for innovative ways of packaging EO products into actionable knowledge and services. This calls for great degree of reformation on EO community to tailor-made region specific EO sensors and models, mechanisms of synergizing EO knowledge with local traditional systems in addressing multiscale, and integrated end-to-end solutions. The paper addresses prospects and challenges of 2015–2030 to achieve success in three critical livelihood support themes viz food security, floods, and forest-based carbon mitigation. Different improvements in EO sensor and models to extend less than a day, all-weather imaging, improved hydro-meteorological forecasts, vegetation stress, and community carbon monitoring models are identified as priority areas of improvement. We envisage and propose mechanisms on how these EO advances could amalgamate into Essential HKH Variables (EHVs) on the lines of global Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) to provide turnkey-based actionable knowledge and services through global and regional cooperation. The complex web of users and orienting them toward adoption of EO services through multi-tier awareness, expertise development, policy advocacy, and institutionalization is also discussed. The paper concludes that the EO community needs to reform significantly in blending their science and applications with user-driven, need-based domains to provide better societal services and HKH livelihood transformation.Gurung, D. R.Fri, 27 May 2016 04:43:25 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31944urn:ISBN:978-3-319-33438-7Springer International Publishing2016http://lib.icimod.org/record/31944
Mapping Forests in Monsoon Asia with Alos Palsar 50-M Mosaic Images and Modis Imagery in 2010http://lib.icimod.org/record/31844
Qin, Y.;
Xiao, X.;
Dong, J.;
Zhang, G.;
Roy, P. S.;
Joshi, P. K.;
Gilani, H.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Jin, C.;
Wang, J.;
Zhang, Y.;
Chen, B.;
Menarguez, M. A.;
Biradar, C. M.;
Bajgain, R.;
Li, X.;
Dai, S.;
Hou, Y.;
Xin, F.;
Moore III, B.;
Extensive forest changes have occurred in monsoon Asia, substantially affecting climate, carbon cycle and biodiversity. Accurate forest cover maps at fine spatial resolutions are required to qualify and quantify these effects. In this study, an algorithm was developed to map forests in 2010, with the use of structure and biomass information from the Advanced Land Observation System (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) mosaic dataset and the phenological information from MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MOD13Q1 and MOD09A1) products. Our forest map (PALSARMOD50 m F/NF) was assessed through randomly selected ground truth samples from high spatial resolution images and had an overall accuracy of 95%. Total area of forests in monsoon Asia in 2010 was estimated to be ~6.3 × 106 km2. The distribution of evergreen and deciduous forests agreed reasonably well with the median Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in winter. PALSARMOD50 m F/NF map showed good spatial and areal agreements with selected forest maps generated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA F/NF), European Space Agency (ESA F/NF), Boston University (MCD12Q1 F/NF), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO FRA), and University of Maryland (Landsat forests), but relatively large differences and uncertainties in tropical forests and evergreen and deciduous forests.Qin, Y.Thu, 31 Mar 2016 08:18:32 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/318442016http://lib.icimod.org/record/31844
Seti Flash Flood: Technical Analysis and Drr Interventionshttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31712
Gurung, D. R.;
Maharjan, S. B.;
Khanal, N. R.;
Joshi, G.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Maharjan, S. B.Thu, 17 Mar 2016 04:57:00 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31712The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Disaster Preparedness Network (DPNet-Nepal)2016http://lib.icimod.org/record/31712/files/icimodNepalDisasterReport_2015_DRG.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31712
http://lib.icimod.org/record/31712/files/icimodNepalDisasterReport_2015_DRG.png?subformat=icon-600Estimation of Soil Erosion Dynamics in the Koshi Basin Using Gis and Remote Sensing to Assess Priority Areas for Conservationhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31710
Uddin, K.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Wahid, S. M.;
Matin, M. A.;
High levels of water-induced erosion in the transboundary Himalayan river basins are contributing to substantial changes in basin hydrology and inundation. Basin-wide information on erosion dynamics is needed for conservation planning, but field-based studies are limited. This study used remote sensing (RS) data and a geographic information system (GIS) to estimate the spatial distribution of soil erosion across the entire Koshi basin, to identify changes between 1990 and 2010, and to develop a conservation priority map. The revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) was used in an ArcGIS environment with rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, cover-management, and support practice factors as primary parameters. The estimated annual erosion from the basin was around 40 million tonnes (40 million tonnes in 1990 and 42 million tonnes in 2010). The results were within the range of reported levels derived from isolated plot measurements and model estimates. Erosion risk was divided into eight classes from very low to extremely high and mapped to show the spatial pattern of soil erosion risk in the basin in 1990 and 2010. The erosion risk class remained unchanged between 1990 and 2010 in close to 87% of the study area, but increased over 9.0% of the area and decreased over 3.8%, indicating an overall worsening of the situation. Areas with a high and increasing risk of erosion were identified as priority areas for conservation. The study provides the first assessment of erosion dynamics at the basin level and provides a basis for identifying conservation priorities across the Koshi basin. The model has a good potential for application in similar river basins in the Himalayan region.Murthy, M. S. R.Thu, 17 Mar 2016 04:43:43 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/317102016http://lib.icimod.org/record/31710/files/icimod.pone.0150494.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31710
http://lib.icimod.org/record/31710/files/icimod.pone.0150494.png?subformat=icon-600Dasymetric Mapping of Census Data for Nepal Towards Improved Disaster Risk Assessment Studies International Workshop on the role of Land Professionals and SDI in Disaster Risk Reduction: in Context of Post 2015 Nepal Earthquake, 25-27 Nov, 2015, Kathmandu, Nepalhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31199
Dhonju, H. K.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Duwal, S.;
Population census data is one of the most important variant for disaster risk assessment and also has numerous applications in different geospatial domain. Significant difficulties are encountered in the use of choropleth map using the census data especially for spatial analysis with the modifiable areal unit problem. Therefore it has been necessary for researchers to use ancillary information from census area and their boundaries in order to distribute population count into regular grid units for dasymetric mapping. This paper reviews the current population distribution models and presents an alternative population weighted centroid distribution algorithm. The gridded representation of population census data was done using urban land cover data as ancillary information. A comparative evaluation of the results at different grid resolutions in terms of accuracy, precision, scale and ease of use is presented. This work demonstrates several application of such gridded population data especially in disaster risk assessment where unique spatial overlay analysis is required and cannot be addressed using irregular area-based census data.Murthy, M. S. R.Mon, 21 Dec 2015 08:02:21 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/311992015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31199
Forest Condition Monitoring Using Very-High-Resolution Satellite Imagery in a Remote Mountain Watershed in Nepalhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31189
Uddin, K.;
Gilani, H.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Kotru, R.;
Qamer, F. M.;
Satellite imagery has proven extremely useful for repetitive timeline-based data collection, because it offers a synoptic view and enables fast processing of large quantities of data. The changes in tree crown number and land cover in a very remote watershed (area 1305 ha) in Nepal were analyzed using a QuickBird image from 2006 and an IKONOS image from 2011. A geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) was carried out using the region-growing technique for tree crown detection, delineation, and change assessment, and a multiresolution technique was used for land cover mapping and change analysis. The coefficient of determination for tree crown detection and delineation was 0.97 for QuickBird and 0.99 for IKONOS, calculated using a line-intercept transect method with 10 randomly selected windows (1Ã—1 ha). The number of tree crowns decreased from 47,121 in 2006 to 41,689 in 2011, a loss of approximately 90 trees per month on average; the area of needle-leaved forest was reduced by 140 ha (23%) over the same period. Analysis of widely available very-high-resolution satellite images using GEOBIA techniques offers a cost-effective method for detecting changes in tree crown number and land cover in remote mountain valleys; the results provide the information needed to support improved local-level planning and forest management in such areas.Uddin, K.Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:41:40 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/311892015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31189
New Vegetation Type Map of India Prepared Using Satellite Remote Sensing: Comparison with Global Vegetation Maps and Utilitieshttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31188
Roy, P. S.;
Behera, M. D.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Roy, A.;
Singh, S.;
Kushwaha, S. P. S.;
Jha, C. S.;
Sudhakar, S.;
Joshi, P. K.;
Reddy, C. S.;
Gupta, S.;
Pujar, G.;
Dutt, C. B. S.;
Srivastava, V. K.;
Porwal, M. C.;
Tripathi, P.;
Singh, J. S.;
Chitale, V.;
Skidmore, A. K.;
Rajshekhar, G.;
Kushwaha, D.;
Karnataka, H.;
Saran, S.;
Giriraj, A.;
Padalia, H.;
Kale, M.;
Nandy, S.;
Jeganathan, C.;
Singh, C. P.;
Biradar, C. M.;
Pattanaik, C.;
Singh, D. K.;
Devagiri, G. M.;
Talukdar, G.;
Panigrahy, R. K.;
Singh, H.;
Sharma, J. R.;
Haridasan, K.;
Trivedi, S.;
Singh, K. P.;
Kannan, L.;
Daniel, M.;
Misra, M. K.;
Niphadkar, M.;
Nagbhatla, N.;
Prasad, N.;
Tripathi, O. P.;
Prasad, P. R. C.;
Dash, P.;
Qureshi, Q.;
Tripathi, S. K.;
Ramesh, B. R.;
Gowda, B.;
Tomar, S.;
Romshoo, S.;
Giriraj, S.;
Ravan, S. A.;
Behera, S. K.;
Paul, S.;
Das, A. K.;
Ranganath, B. K.;
Singh, T. P.;
Sahu, T. R.;
Shankar, U.;
Menon, A. R. R.;
Srivastava, G.;
Neeti;
Sharma, S.;
Mohapatra, U. B.;
Peddi, A.;
Rashid, H.;
Salroo, I.;
Krishna, P. H.;
Hajra, P. K.;
Vergheese, A. O.;
Matin, S.;
Chaudhary, S. A.;
Ghosh, S.;
Lakshmi, U.;
Rawat, D.;
Ambastha, K.;
Kalpana, P.;
Devi, B. S. S.;
Gowda, B.;
Sharma, K. C.;
Mukharjee, P.;
Sharma, A.;
Davidar, P.;
Raju, R. R. V.;
Ketewa, S. S.;
Kant, S.;
Raju, V. S.;
Uniyal, B. P.;
Debnath, B.;
Rout, D. K.;
Thapa, R.;
Joseph, S.;
Chhetri, P.;
Ramchandran, R.;
A seamless vegetation type map of India (scale 1: 50,000) prepared using medium-resolution IRS LISS-III images is presented. The map was created using an on-screen visual interpretation technique and has an accuracy of 90%, as assessed using 15,565 ground control points. India has hitherto been using potential vegetation/forest type map prepared by Champion and Seth in 1968. We characterized and mapped further the vegetation type distribution in the country in terms of occurrence and distribution, area occupancy, percentage of protected area (PA) covered by each vegetation type, range of elevation, mean annual temperature and precipitation over the past 100 years. A remote sensing-amenable hierarchical classification scheme that accommodates natural and semi-natural systems was conceptualized, and the natural vegetation was classified into forests, scrub/shrub lands and grasslands on the basis of extent of vegetation cover. We discuss the distribution and potential utility of the vegetation type map in a broad range of ecological, climatic and conservation applications from global, national and local perspectives. We used 15,565 ground control points to assess the accuracy of products available globally (i.e., GlobCover, Holdridgeâ€™s life zone map and potential natural vegetation (PNV) maps). Hence we recommend that the map prepared herein be used widely. This vegetation type map is the most comprehensive one developed for India so far. It was prepared using 23.5 m seasonal satellite remote sensing data, field samples and information relating to the biogeography, climate and soil. The digital map is now available through a web portal (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. TypeRoy, P. S.Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:41:40 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/311882015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31188
Abe Barek Landslide and Landslide Susceptibility Assessment in Badakhshan Province, Afghanistanhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31128
Zhang, J.;
Gurung, D. R.;
Liu, R.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Su, F.;
Landslide is one of the most widely distributed mass movements in mountainous areas. With its wide spreading, abrupt, and seasonal characteristics, landslide always causes huge risks towards transportation, human settlements, industrial and mining plants, water resources facilities, and hydropower stations. Abe Barek landslide, which happened in the morning of May 2, 2014, in Ago District, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan, buried 86 houses and took the lives of almost 2700 people. Many factors triggered the occurrence of this disaster. Firstly, the landslide-impacted area has a complex geologic structure that bears concentrated faults with mountain slopes covered by thick loess. Secondly, at the time of landslide, a continuous rainfall had deepened the level of moisture in the loess layer, which made the loess mass heavier and changed the soil bodyâ€™s mechanical properties. Thirdly, a similar landslide once happened on the same slope, which destroyed the land cover and transformed the topology of the slope. In addition, farming and irrigating activities may have also affected the stability of loess mass in this area. Upon an initial examination of landslide distribution in Badakhshan Province by using high-resolution remote sensing images from Google Earth, a total number of 609 landslide sites were identified in this area, and a landslide susceptibility assessment was completed by utilizing weight-of-evidence method. Several suggestions on landslide risk reduction in this remote mountainous area are proposed at the end of this paper.Gurung, D. R.Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:28:06 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/311282015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31128
New Vegetation Type Map of India Prepared Using Satellite Remote Sensing: Comparison with Global Vegetation Maps and Utilitieshttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31121
Roy, P. S.;
Behera, M. D.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Roy, A.;
Singh, S.;
Kushwaha, S. P. S.;
Jha, C. S.;
Sudhakar, S.;
Joshi, P. K.;
Reddy, C. S.;
Gupta, S.;
Pujar, G.;
Dutt, C. B. S.;
Srivastava, V. K.;
Porwal, M. C.;
Tripathi, P.;
Singh, J. S.;
Chitale, V.;
Skidmore, A. K.;
Rajshekhar, G.;
Kushwaha, D.;
Karnataka, H.;
Saran, S.;
Giriraj, A.;
Padalia, H.;
Kale, M.;
Nandy, S.;
Jeganathan, C.;
Singh, C. P.;
Biradar, C. M.;
Pattanaik, C.;
Singh, D. K.;
Devagiri, G. M.;
Talukdar, G.;
Panigrahy, R. K.;
Singh, H.;
Sharma, J. R.;
Haridasan, K.;
Trivedi, S.;
Singh, K. P.;
Kannan, L.;
Daniel, M.;
Misra, M. K.;
Niphadkar, M.;
Nagbhatla, N.;
Prasad, N.;
Tripathi, O. P.;
Prasad, P. R. C.;
Dash, P.;
Qureshi, Q.;
Tripathi, S. K.;
Ramesh, B. R.;
Gowda, B.;
Tomar, S.;
Romshoo, S.;
Giriraj, S.;
Ravan, S. A.;
Behera, S. K.;
Paul, S.;
Das, A. K.;
Ranganath, B. K.;
Singh, T. P.;
Sahu, T. R.;
Shankar, U.;
Menon, A. R. R.;
Srivastava, G.;
Neeti;
Sharma, S.;
Mohapatra, U. B.;
Peddi, A.;
Rashid, H.;
Salroo, I.;
Krishna, P. H.;
Hajra, P. K.;
Vergheese, A. O.;
Matin, S.;
Chaudhary, S. A.;
Ghosh, S.;
Lakshmi, U.;
Rawat, D.;
Ambastha, K.;
Kalpana, P.;
Devi, B. S. S.;
Gowda, B.;
Sharma, K. C.;
Mukharjee, P.;
Sharma, A.;
Davidar, P.;
Raju, R. R. V.;
Ketewa, S. S.;
Kant, S.;
Raju, V. S.;
Uniyal, B. P.;
Debnath, B.;
Rout, D. K.;
Thapa, R.;
Joseph, S.;
Chhetri, P.;
Ramchandran, R.;
A seamless vegetation type map of India (scale 1: 50,000) prepared using medium-resolution IRS LISS-III images is presented. The map was created using an on-screen visual interpretation technique and has an accuracy of 90%, as assessed using 15,565 ground control points. India has hitherto been using potential vegetation/forest type map prepared by Champion and Seth in 1968. We characterized and mapped further the vegetation type distribution in the country in terms of occurrence and distribution, area occupancy, percentage of protected area (PA) covered by each vegetation type, range of elevation, mean annual temperature and precipitation over the past 100 years. A remote sensing-amenable hierarchical classification scheme that accommodates natural and semi-natural systems was conceptualized, and the natural vegetation was classified into forests, scrub/shrub lands and grasslands on the basis of extent of vegetation cover. We discuss the distribution and potential utility of the vegetation type map in a broad range of ecological, climatic and conservation applications from global, national and local perspectives. We used 15,565 ground control points to assess the accuracy of products available globally (i.e., GlobCover, Holdridgeâ€™s life zone map and potential natural vegetation (PNV) maps). Hence we recommend that the map prepared herein be used widely. This vegetation type map is the most comprehensive one developed for India so far. It was prepared using 23.5 m seasonal satellite remote sensing data, field samples and information relating to the biogeography, climate and soil. The digital map is now available through a web portal (Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. TypeRoy, P. S.Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:28:06 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/311212015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31121
Integration of Worldview-2 and Airborne Lidar Data for Tree Species Level Carbon Stock Mapping in Kayar Khola Watershed, Nepalhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31103
Karna, Y. K.;
Hussin, Y. A.;
Gilani, H.;
Bronsveld, M. C.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Qamer, F. M.;
Karky, B. S.;
Bhattarai, T.;
Aigong, X.;
Baniya, C. B.;
Integration of WorldView-2 satellite image with small footprint airborne LiDAR data for estimation of tree carbon at species level has been investigated in tropical forests of Nepal. This research aims to quantify and map carbon stock for dominant tree species in Chitwan district of central Nepal. Object based image analysis and supervised nearest neighbor classification methods were deployed for tree canopy retrieval and species level classification respectively. Initially, six dominant tree species (Shorea robusta, Schima wallichii, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Terminalia tomentosa, Mallotus philippinensis and Semecarpus anacardium) were able to be identified and mapped through image classification. The result showed a 76% accuracy of segmentation and 1970.99 as best average separability. Tree canopy height model (CHM) was extracted based on LiDARâ€™s first and last return from an entire study area. On average, a significant correlation coefficient (r) between canopy projection area (CPA) and carbon; height and carbon; and CPA and height were obtained as 0.73, 0.76 and 0.63, respectively for correctly detected trees. Carbon stock model validation results showed regression models being able to explain up to 94%, 78%, 76%, 84% and 78% of variations in carbon estimation for the following tree species: S. robusta, L. parviflora, T. tomentosa, S. wallichii and others (combination of rest tree species).Karna, Y. K.Fri, 16 Oct 2015 11:28:05 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/311032015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31103
Forest Condition Monitoring Using Very-High-Resolution Satellite Imagery in a Remote Mountain Watershed in Nepalhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31075
Uddin, K.;
Gilani, H.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Kotru, R.;
Qamer, F. M.;
Satellite imagery has proven extremely useful for repetitive timeline-based data collection, because it offers a synoptic view and enables fast processing of large quantities of data. The changes in tree crown number and land cover in a very remote watershed (area 1305 ha) in Nepal were analyzed using a QuickBird image from 2006 and an IKONOS image from 2011. A geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) was carried out using the region-growing technique for tree crown detection, delineation, and change assessment, and a multiresolution technique was used for land cover mapping and change analysis. The coefficient of determination for tree crown detection and delineation was 0.97 for QuickBird and 0.99 for IKONOS, calculated using a line-intercept transect method with 10 randomly selected windows (1Ã—1 ha). The number of tree crowns decreased from 47,121 in 2006 to 41,689 in 2011, a loss of approximately 90 trees per month on average; the area of needle-leaved forest was reduced by 140 ha (23%) over the same period. Analysis of widely available very-high-resolution satellite images using GEOBIA techniques offers a cost-effective method for detecting changes in tree crown number and land cover in remote mountain valleys; the results provide the information needed to support improved local-level planning and forest management in such areas.Gilani, H.Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:31:22 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/310752015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31075
The Changing Land Cover and Fragmenting Forest on the Roof of the World: A Case Study in Nepal's Kailash Sacred Landscapehttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31070
Uddin, K.;
Chaudhary, S.;
Chettri, N.;
Kotru, R.;
Murthy, M.;
Chaudhary, R. P.;
Ning, W.;
Shrestha, S. M.;
Gautam, S. K.;
Land cover change is one of the most important drivers of forest ecosystem change. The Hindu Kush Himalayan region (HKH) has experienced severe forest degradation but data and documentation are limited. We undertook this study in the Nepalese part of the Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL), an important transboundary region known for its biodiversity and the scared values. Forest is an important ecosystem within the landscape and provides various goods and services including habitat for many keystone species. However, precise information on forest change and overall land cover change in the area is limited. We analyzed land cover change and forest fragmentation between 1990 and 2009, and the predicted change for 2030. There was a 9% decrease in forest cover and 12% increase in cropland between 1990 and 2009. A further 4% decline in forest cover and 5% increase in cropland was predicted by 2030, together with a slight increase in grassland and barren area. Fragmentation analysis showed a 10% decrease in large core forest between 1990 and 2009, accompanied by an increase in patch forest. A further 10.6% decline in core forest was predicted by 2030, accompanied by an increase in patch, perforated, small-sized core, and mediumsized core areas. The study suggests that expansions of cropland coupled with high dependency on forests are the major drivers of the observed forest change. Recommendations are made based on the results of the study that will help to maintain and restore forest, and support biodiversity conservation and livelihoods.Chaudhary, S.Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:31:22 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/310702015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31070/files/icimodKL-els.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31070
http://lib.icimod.org/record/31070/files/icimodKL-els.png?subformat=icon-600Estimating Inter-Annual Diversity of Seasonal Agricultural Area Using Multi-Temporal Resourcesat Datahttp://lib.icimod.org/record/31062
Sreenivas, K.;
Sekhar, N. S.;
Saxena, M.;
Paliwal, R.;
Pathak, S.;
Porwal, M. C.;
Fyzee, M. A.;
Rao, S. V. C. K.;
Wadodkar, M.;
Anasuya, T.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Ravisankar, T.;
Dadhwal, V. K.;
Sreenivas, K.Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:31:21 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/310622015http://lib.icimod.org/record/31062
Multi-Scale Forest Biomass Assessment and Monitoring in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region: A Geospatial Perspectivehttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30997
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Wesselman, S.;
Gilani, H.;
There is a growing need for consistent forest biomass monitoring in the context of sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem services, and REDD+ monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV). Reliable baseline data on forest biomass need to be developed for proper reference. It is imperative to establish standardized methods at multiple scales which can be easily replicated. This publication presents a review of current biomass assessment and monitoring systems and the application of geospatial data and tools in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, and the scope for strengthening such systems. It showcases the contributions of participants of an international expert meeting on ‘Geospatial Information Systems for Multi-scale Forest Biomass Assessment and Monitoring in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region’ held in December 2013. Papers in the volume cover topics ranging from an overview of the geospatial datasets, models, and methodological frameworks being adopted in the HKH region to different capabilities related to biomass assessment and geospatial analysis, different levels of preparedness and implementing capacity for REDD+ MRV, and applications of active and optical sensors using a range of models, methods, specific data, and techniques. Murthy, M. S. R.Mon, 28 Sep 2015 14:33:39 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30997urn:ISBN:978 92 9115 336 7 (printed)International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)2015http://lib.icimod.org/record/30997/files/Biomass book.gif?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30997
http://lib.icimod.org/record/30997/files/Biomass book.gif?subformat=icon-80http://lib.icimod.org/record/30997/files/Biomass book.gif?subformat=icon-600Assessment of change in forest cover and biomass using geospatial techniques to support REDD+ activities in Nepalhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30996
Gilani, H;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Bajracharya, B.;
Karky, B. S.;
Koju, U. A.;
Joshi, G.;
Karki, S.;
Sohail, M.;
The forests of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region play a major role in maintaining the mountain ecosystem and supporting people’s livelihoods. On a global scale, the important role of forests as sinks and sources of carbon is gaining increasing recognition as a major issue for climate change. However, notwithstanding their crucial role, forests across the region remain under threat from overexploitation and conversion of land to other uses. The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) mechanism offers a promising approach for protecting and enhancing the world’s forests. But implementing REDD+ will only be possible if appropriate cost-effective ways can be developed to measure forests and accurately assess changes in forest area and biomass. This publication presents the findings of the geospatial component of a three-year study on the design and establishment of a governance and payment system for Nepal’s community forest management under REDD. The publication describes the development and testing of a method for delineating forest area using a participatory GIS approach with high resolution satellite images in three watersheds: Kayar Khola in Chitwan District, Ludi Khola in Gorkha District, and Charnawati in Dolakha District, representing the three regions of plains, hills, and mountains. This study provides baseline data for comparison in future studies as well as a method for delineating permanent representative sample plots. It also shows that biomass and carbon stocks can be assessed from satellite images with integration of only a small amount of data from the sample plots. Comparison with results from field-based measurements showed that optical remote sensing can provide usable values for forest biomass over a large area and in a timely and cost-effective manner.Gilani, HMon, 28 Sep 2015 13:55:51 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30996urn:ISBN:978 92 9115 344 2 (printed)International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)2015http://lib.icimod.org/record/30996/files/WP 2015_5.png?subformat=iconhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30996
http://lib.icimod.org/record/30996/files/WP 2015_5.png?subformat=icon-600Grassland Growth in Response to Climate Variability in the Upper Indus Basin, Pakistanhttp://lib.icimod.org/record/30994
Abbas, S.;
Qamer, F. M.;
Murthy, M. S. R.;
Tripathi, N. K.;
Ning, W.;
Sharma, E.;
Ali, G.;
Grasslands in the upper Indus basin provide a resource base for nomadic livestock grazing which is one of the major traditional livelihood practices in the area. The study presents climate patterns, grassland phenology, productivity and spatio-temporal climate controls on grassland growth using satellite data over the upper Indus basin of the Himalayan region, Pakistan. Phenology and productivity metrics of the grasses were estimated using a combination of derivative and threshold methods applied on fitted seasonal vegetation indices data over the period of 2001–2011. Satellite based rainfall and land surface temperature data are considered as representative explanatory variables to climate variability. The results showed distinct phenology and productivity patterns across four bioclimatic regions: (i) humid subtropical region (HSR)—late start and early end of season with short length of season and low productivity (ii) temperate region (TR)—early start and late end of season with higher length of season and moderate productivity (iii) sub alpine region (SAR)—late start and late end of season with very high length of season and the most productive grasses, and (iv) alpine region (AR)—late start and early end of season with small length of season and least productive grasses. Grassland productivity is constrained by temperature in the alpine region and by rainfall in the humid sub-tropical region. Spring temperature, winter and summer rainfall has shown significant and varied impact on phenology across different altitudes. The productivity is being influenced by summer and annual rainfall in humid subtropical regions, spring temperature in alpine and sub-alpine regions and both temperature and rainfall are contributing in temperate regions. The results revealing a strong relationship between grassland dynamics and climate variability put forth strong signals for drawing more scientific management of rangelands in the area.Abbas, S.Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:20:08 GMThttp://lib.icimod.org/record/309942015http://lib.icimod.org/record/30994